Possible Oil Leak

[Rayz2000Sport]

Recently when I would get home from work, there would be a slight burning smell. Didnt see anything noticable (at night) so did not worry about it.

Today, I fixed up my air intake and some other things and then noticed a small drop of oil. Upon further inspection there is oil all over the passenger side underbody!

I looks like it is seeping from the top of the filter of something? Does that make sense? It is a K@N filter. When I changed my oil I noticed some oil on the outside of it and just figured it was from when I installed it. Now, it is pretty apparent that is not the case! I checked the dip stick and I am just barely in the crosshatch area, and I did not change my oil that long ago.

It has a Wrench On/Off on it. Is this just a case of needing to tighten it down more, or is it something more serious??? Please any info will be greatly appreciated!

I am supposed to get my MD inspection within the month and I do not think it will pass like this! haha

 

[muhl5443]

sounds to me like your oil filter is just loose and needs to be tightened down. or the oil filter could be double gasketed.

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

Thats what I am thinking. But its strange, because last time I had to actually use a filter wrench to get the old one off and normally I can do it by hand. I guess I will go out later and wipe everything down and then tighten it and see if it helps.

 

[parad1mg]

can you take some pictures of it?

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

I suppose I could. Might be a little difficult though. Best description is it looks like the oil is coming from Above the filter and running down the sides. There are "traces" where you can see that oil went down the sides. And there is oil everywhere there would be oil if you changed your oil, its just more spread out because it must be a slow leak and come out while I am driving.

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

whoops

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

Do those help?

 

[Lloyd10977]

I suppose I could. Might be a little difficult though. Best description is it looks like the oil is coming from Above the filter and running down the sides. There are "traces" where you can see that oil went down the sides. And there is oil everywhere there would be oil if you changed your oil, its just more spread out because it must be a slow leak and come out while I am driving.

Rayz, if your problem happens to be the result of a double gasket, it would make sense that you could have some leakage when the oil is under pressure (engine running). It cannot be resolved by tightening, but by removing the extra gasket and properly tightening the filter.

Years ago when I was on a trip with a Ford Gran Torino, I was lazy about the oil change and took it to a chain outlet that specialized in speed. Then as I usually do at a rest stop, I checked the oil to find it low and oil splattered all over the filter area just as you did. I tightened the filter and started the engine to find oil literally squirting everywhere! It was worse!!! I pulled off the filter, found the extra gasket, reinstalled the same filter, replenished the oil level and completed my trip without further incident.

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

So, your saying that when I took off the previous filter the gasket may have stuck? Now the filter is spaced off because of the increased gasket size?

Did it look similar to what I have going on?

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

Anyone know how much Oil I will lose by pulling the filter off? I am allready about at the bottom of the CrossHatch Area, so how much will I need to top it off?

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

I changed my oil at 83,090 and its at 85,065 now. The oil level on the Dip stick has only went down to the bottom of the crosshatch, seems like a slow leak?

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

I have the old filter in my truck still (wrapped up ready to be properly disposed of), and I checked it thru the bag and there is still the gasket. One thing I did notice, is that it is a very thick gasket. I am starting to think that it is a tightness problem.

When I changed the oil last time, there was only slight evidence of a similar problem (just some runs on the side) and the filter was on tight enough to need an oil filter wrench (did not have a 1" socket handy). Starting to think that you must really need to tighten it down to help the very thick gasket seat properly.

Any Thoughts???

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

Any Thoughts?

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

?

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

I guess I will try and tighten it up a bit and see how it goes.

 

[parad1mg]

i'd remove the filter and inspect both surfaces for any defects, dirt/debris, or anything that might be causing an improper seal.. if the filter is still new then re-install it after pulling it out.. i cant tell you how much oil you'll lose but just be prepared and go ahed and buy a few quarts..

when you get that filter off, clean the surface really well and inspect..


Goodluck!